Hesham Abdelbary

Dr. Abdelbary's research program aims to investigate novel therapeutic approaches to treat PJI, which is the primary cause of failure after total joint replacement (TJR). Over the past 8 years, his research has focused on developing translational in vitro and in vivo PJI models that use bacteriophages to treat bacterial biofilm. Phages are naturally occurring viruses that can produce enzymes which dismantle the biofilm matrix and can also infect and lyse bacterial cells directly.

Since 2017, as the principal investigator, Dr. Abdelbary and his research program has secured 22 institutional and national peer-reviewed grants, totalling $3.5 million CAD. Some of the most recent grant funding is supporting the following research areas: 

• Understanding how phages can modulate innate and adaptive immune responses at early and late stages of PJI. This research is funded by Strategic Operating Grant from Arthritis Society Canada.
• Innovative implant coating design to deliver phages. This research is funded by Ontario Research Fund: Research Excellence Grant.
• Translating phage therapy from the bench to the bedside through multicentered clinical trials. This research is funded by grants from Department of Surgery and Phage Canada Acceleration Grant.